#bitb x reader

the husky clipper drew closer and closer to the finish line, the boat far ahead of the second place shell. the roar of the crowd around you is overwhelming, and you smile with the sheer joy that seems to float in the air. your eyes only have one focus though. on Don Hume. your boyfriend. watching his arms roll the oar, each muscle performing perfectly as he sets the rhythm for the entire boat. his mind is deep in focus as he trains his eyes downward, huffing out breath with each finish of his stroke. Bobby yells out the count in front of him, a steady constant. and just like that, the husky clipper rows itself to victory. smiling, you look around you before directing your gaze back to the boat. Dons looking for you, and he finally finds you. his mouth quirks up in that rare smile, and you wave at him, smiling. the man grins and blushes, looking down at the ties on his feet. Bobby says something to him once he sees where the boy was looking. “hey! Don did good, didn’t he?” Bobby yells, calling out your name. Dons eyes widen as his head whips up to look at Bobby, glaring. but you merely chuckle, nodding along. “he did great, Bobby!” you call back, smiling when you see Dons blush grow even redder. others and himself would blame it on the show of endurance and athleticism, but you and Bobby know better.

the shell tucks into the dock, oars being undone and carried to the shell house. the crowd has dispersed with the setting sun, the crew and close friends remaining. you creep into the large building, finding one familiar face to chat with, your professor. and the head coach of the rowing program. “Mr.Ulbrickson.” you greet the man warmly, and he breaks into a smile when he turns to see you, pulling you into a quick hug. “my favorite student.” he says in return. “the race was amazing. the boys did good.” offering up the compliment, you finish your words. “you coached them well.” Al merely looks to the ground, trying to hide a smile. “they did good, we’ll get them better though.” he replies, looking at the soft planes of your face. “well don’t push them too hard. still need to get Don to a dance this year.” your teacher huffs a small laugh. “get him to do something that’s not rowing or class.” you giggle and nod. “I will sir.” Al’s eyebrows furrow in faux anger. “ah don’t call me that, you’ll make me feel old.” shifting your feet, your hands rest on your hips. “well now Professor Ulbrickson, I thought you just had your 60th birthday! don’t worry, you still have that somewhat youthful glow!” your teacher scoffs and turns to go up the stairs to his office. “you’re getting a F on your paper for that.” he says, walking up the creaky steps. “oh need me to help you up those stairs Professor?” He doesn’t respond this time, brushing you off with a wave of his hand. with a low chuckle you turn to the locker room door, opting to sit on a bench. the cool Washington air drifts in, calming your nerves. the water flows slowly, reflecting off moonlight. it was a good day today. a good race. your team won. Don won. he looked good out there, causing you to blush where you stood as you watched each powerful movement of his legs and arms. everything about the way he controlled his body, it just itched you in a way that made you squirm.

the locker room door opened, letting on the sound of chatter and running showers. you look up, seeing your boyfriend. smiling, you stand and he looks to you, breaking into his own little smile, a rare break for his normal frown. his hair is damp from his shower as he pulls you close, giving your temple a quick kiss. no one here to see you, he’s so much more open around you. “we won.” he whispers, walking up the path to the school. “you won.” you echo. wind blows over the grass, blowing up your skirt slightly. it runs through you and Dons hair, tussling the strands. when you reach Dons dormitory, he’s quiet as a church mouse in opening the door, watching carefully for others. but there’s no one here, not this late. so he brings you to the small room tucked into the basement of the dorm hall, given to him by the university for being on the team. he won’t complain about it, and neither would you. it holds a simple bed on a metal frame next to a wooden desk and chair. on one wall he hangs what clothes he has, the beaten shirts and his one nice jacket. a drawer next to the door holds his pants and other clothes, knick knacks and books sitting on top of it. he reclines in the chair, removing his signature jacket and placing it on the desk. a thought appears into your head again. the one you’ve been thinking about all day.

walking to him slowly, you let him watch you approach, let him see as you straddle his large thighs, curling your hands behind his neck. you watch as blush appears on his cheeks again, and how his eyes trace your face, every detail and every mark. in return, you do the same, remembering every freckle and hair. smiling, you let your hands creep into the hair on the back of his head before pressing a chaste kiss to his jaw. you feel his lips part, mouth opening. his eyes probably closed now, trying to savor the feeling of your lips tracing his skin. Dons hands cradle your hips, holding them close to his. beneath you, his member hardens, twitching to life as your kisses drift towards his neck. finally, he catches your mouth on his, trapping you. no one around finally, one hand rests on the nape of your neck, keeping you against him as he presses kisses to your lips and cheek. the feeling of his skin on yours makes the room feel hot, and you let your hips rock back and forth slowly. beneath you, you can feel his length, grinding on it slowly. this is what you wanted. wanted to reward your boyfriend after a hard day like this. but that was a bit hard to do when your mind began to go blank when his lips reached that sensitive spot beneath your ear. it made you shiver, hearing the soft noises that left his lips as well as the feeling of the soft skin on yours. “D-Don.” you whimper, hands moving to his shoulders. Don merely hums in response, lips unmoving. “can we go to the bed?” you whisper softly, pulling away to look at him. you see his eyes turn dark as he nods, rising to let you stand. his nimble fingers pull off the undershirt he wore before placing on the chair. his trousers are next, quickly pulled off along with his boots. next he turns his attention to you, stepping close to trace a finger down your neck. you turn around and let him pull down the zipper of your dress. he helps you step out of it, hanging it over the chair along with his own shirt. your heels come next, and he drops to his knees, helping support you as he pulls them off. you gasp when he presses his lips against the inside of your thigh, hands creeping up to pull off your chemise. left in nothing but your panties, he lets you sit on the bed next to him. your hands drift to his chest, pushing him gently onto his back. Don grunts softly when he feels your hips flush against his, the sensation of them rocking on his erection causing blush to creep down to his collarbone.

“did good today Don.” you say, keeping your hands on his chest, thumbs rubbing the skin softly. the boy beneath you nods, hair falling on his forehead. “looked good too.” you finish, bringing a hand up to trace his jaw. Don merely grins and sits up to kiss you, bucking his hips against your clothed warmth slowly. “felt good to win. d-did it for you.” he replies. Dons mouth always seems to loosen when he gets to be around you alone. “wanted you so bad.” he says, face dipping into the curve of your neck. you can feel his eyelashes brush the skin, and your head falls back, allowing him more access. Don nips at the skin there, running his teeth across the soft and supple surface. he feels your hands creep down between you, trying to tug off his boxers. relenting, Don shifts just enough to help you pull them down, discarding them on the floor. but yours are next thrown onto the pile of forgotten clothes. now, both of you naked, paw at the other. Dons hands feel like they’re everywhere, tracing your spine and holding your thighs apart, running up your torso and holding your breasts, cradling your jaw and brushing hair away from your eyes. he manages to get on top of you, and lets his cock grind against your warmth, being slowly coated in the arousal that drips from you. each push of his hips causes his length to catch on the sensitive nub of your clit, but it never being enough. “Don, please. need you.” whining, your hand travels to hold his shoulder, the other resting on his waist. “in a sec, doll.” he whispers, focused on how your sweet scent drips off you, nose buried in your neck. you let out a groan when he doesn’t relent, continuing his movements. you need more though. so you give him a taste of his own medicine.

your hand creeps down before cupping his balls in your palm, running a thumb over them, causing him to buck his hips harshly. Dons hair brushes against your face and he grunts. “ha-ngh!d-dont do that.” he says, still grinding into your hold. “Don.” you whine again, hoping your pleading tone will get him to actual make love to you. this time, he relents, using a hand to angle his head inside you, catching on the wet entrance. Don pushes his, bottoming out inside you quickly. you both seem to moan in unison when he does. he just feels so good inside you, filling you up just like he always does. and in return, Don finally feels like he’s where he belongs. right next to you like this, consumed by you completely. he feels safe like this. his hips grind against yours, rubbing that spongy spot inside you. “feel good?” he murmurs, bringing his face from your neck to look down at your state. nodding rapidly, both hands come to rest on his shoulders, moving with every thrust of his hips. “m-more.” you beg, and who is Don to say no to you? so he picks up his pace, pulling out more just to plunge back into your cunt just as quickly. “ah! y-yes Don-feels nghhso good.” your breaths leave sporadically now, but Don seems like he’s breathing just fine, his endurance built up by months of rowing. and like he rows his boats, he fucks you with the same care and precision. each punch of his hips inside you are powerful, meant to kiss your cervix each time. his length rubs on the sides of your clenching walls, and you moan out in pleasure with each roll of his muscles.

“Don!” you wail out, clinging his body close. he whispers your name in your ear as he tucks his arms under your back, pulling you close. his legs shift so he sits on his haunches, holding your weight up. the new angle causes his cock to sink deeper, drawing out another pleasured noise from you. the position practically bounced you on him, and he buried his nose in your collarbone, eyes screwing shut as he drills into your inviting warmth. the feeling is incomparable to him, and he lets out audible groans every time you clench on him. his thighs work like a well oiled machine, allowing his hips to pump into you, punishing that spongy spot in you to come. and when you do, you come hard. your body twitches and thighs seize up as a new wave of wetness drips from you, creating a creamy white ring around the base of Dons cock, evidence of your release. “did good, s-so good doll.” he murmurs lowly, only causing you to twitch in his grasp more. “only f’you. nghhhh-only for you.” you respond, trying to get your hips to grind back down on him. Don nods helplessly, mind turning to mush as he has one thing and one thing only in his mind. your cunt. Don pulls out of you, manhandling you gently onto your knees. your hands grip the metal footboard, allowing you to support yourself before he lines up again, plunging into your inviting wetness. “l-love you, doll. too good to me.” Don says, lips against your shoulder. drool drips out of his mouth, pooling on your soft skin as you whine. you’re so close again, body overstimulated from the treatment you’re getting. especially when his right hand comes down to play with your nub, rubbing circles onto it, pushing you closer to another release. your legs begin to give out, knees trembling as your hands slip from the bars. “nghh Don-pleasepleaseplease.” crying out, you’re begging Don for release again, and his hips pick up to match his fingers, drilling into you with unmatched speed and precision “cmon doll, cmon. you can do it.” he whispers, panting harsh breaths. he’s close too, but he wants to feel you clamping down on him again before he fills you up. “come for me doll.” he groans in your ear, and the words send a shiver down your spine and pleasure to your cunt. his fingers work expertly, adding stimulation. when the mushroom head of his length punches against your soft spot again, you cry out, finally releasing on him again. he groans with you, pumping into you once more before spilling into you. his fat cock rubs the sides of your walls, filling you up perfectly. and when his come paints you white, the milky substance sloshing around, your body goes limp, collapsing on the bed. Dons follows not long after, the weight laying on you like a heavy blanket.

Don lets out a few breaths before picking his chest up off you, still keeping his member deep inside your pulsing warmth, letting the both of you ride out your aftershocks. his cock still twitches inside you, spurting out remnants of his release occasionally. in return, your muscles clench on him involuntarily, sucking his cum deeper into you. Don shifts, laying your body in his arms. he finally maneuvers you to the right side of the bed, tucking the two of you under blankets before kissing your cheek. “thank you doll.” he whispers in the night, when you’ve both come down from your highs and his hand rests on your hip. “thank you, Don.” is all you reply with. “that was a good reward. do I get that every time I win a race?” he teases, and you scoff. “no. not unless you compensate me for the ache that’ll follow me all of tomorrow. I’ll have a limp at the rate you were going.” you banter back. “oh im sure you can make something up.” Don says, tracing your shoulder with his pointer finger. “mm. going to explain to all my professors why I mysteriously have a limp after every won racing match.” you say. “you mean just racing match. we’re going to win them all.” he whispers, an edge of pride and confidence creeping in. he deserves it, after all the blood sweat and tears that have gone into perfecting his stroke and the time in the team. “sure. you can explain to Professor Ulbrickson why I have a limp.” Don chuckles and merely wraps you closer to him, dozing off in the Washington night.

An:yikes this one got long but like do I regret it? NOPE. LET ME HAVE HIS BABIES STILL.

-cass💕:D

😝this was so fun to write.

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your night was uneventful for the most part, you’d finished the papers, gone back to the campus to turn them into Professor Ulbricksons office, and eventually headed back to your dorm to rest. the floor you were on had all single rooms, with a communal bathroom, so you got your own space. a knock sounded at your door, rousing you from your book. a giggle and a laugh. your name being shouted. you know that voice. Lorraine. opening the door, you look at your red headed friend. “y/n! there’s a boy here for you!” she exclaims, gripping your hands in her own. “what?” you cry, pulling on her grasp as she tries to drag you down the stairs. “a boy! he said his name is Don! hurry, you can’t keep him waiting!” she’s in distress now, and you laugh. “it’s okay Lorraine, he can wait a little longer.” you reply, smoothing out your dress as you walk at a slow pace down the stairs. and Don is indeed waiting outside the dormitory entrance. when you slip out with a light push for Lorraine, he grins. the girl behind you giggles once more before shutting the door behind you. “she’s funny.” Don says, holding out his arm. you slip your arm through it and let him walk you to one of the dining halls that have cheap meals. as the night wears on, the two of you sit across from each other, drinking watery soup and day-old bread. but neither of you could care, too absorbed in the other.

you can’t take your eyes off him tonight. something’s shifted inside you, the feeling for him more intense. it’s all heightened. each swipe of his thumb over your knuckle, each sound out of his mouth, every movement of his body. when you finish your meals, Don walks you back to your dorm with a strong hand on your back. stopping on the sidewalk behind the building, the sidewalk beneath your second floor dorm, you smile up at him, embracing him close, feeling his chest against yours. sneakily, you trace your hands up to rest on either side of his neck before pressing a kiss in between his collarbones, right above where his collar stops and neck begins. then one on his adams apple. you feel it bob slightly as he gasps. a murmur of your name. hands on you waist and lips on your temple. “Don.” you whine his name lowly. “I…” your words fall short as you try to describe what you’re trying to say. a throbbing built up deep inside you. you need him. “what is it?” he asks softly, pulling away to get a good look at your ashamed face. “please.” you whisper, and his eyebrows furrow. “please, need you Don.” you say, brining your palms down to rest on his chest. “oh.” he says, eyes turning lidded and breathing just a tad heavier. “w-we shouldn’t. we’re not married.” he replies, cupping your hands in his. “you’re a lady, you shouldn’t, not with me, not he-“ you cut him off with a kiss, and he melts, silencing his words. “Don. I want you.” you say, reassuring him, but the next words are rushed out just as quickly. “unless, of course you really don’t want to or anything I mean.” Don shakes his head and squeezes your hands. “no I…I want to.” he says, and you nod. “well, any ideas on how to get up to my room?” you ask, gazing up at your window. Don huffs and nods. “a few.”

your room is cold, and thankfully empty when you clamber through the window, Don behind you. you laugh and collapse onto the floor, Don landing right on top of you with an oomph. you breathe out his name and he chuckles, cradling your head. his lips press against your cheek, traveling to beneath your ear. with a gasp, your lips part and he takes the opportunity to capture them in his own before pulling away to sit up. you travel with him, clambering onto his lap. as his hands travel to rest on your hips, he pulls away from your kiss. “wait. there’s something you should know.” he murmurs, and you look up at him. “I haven’t…I haven’t done this before.” he says, lashes fluttering down like he’s scared. you chuckle and tease his earlobe with your teeth, causing him to shudder. “ I haven’t either.” you say back, pulling away. “yeah but…you’re okay with it?” he asks, and you nod. “more than okay.” that might as well be all the permission he needs before he’s leaning away to strip his jacket off, practically ripping off his tie. you breathe out heavily before removing your own blouse. your fingers nimbly reach out to undo Dons shirt buttons, and he pants at the sight of you. the curve of your shoulders and breasts, the sheen of your skin. your eyes dance down his own body now that his shirts been pushed off his shoulders. the strong tone of each muscle from hours of rowing. his pale skin, dotted with freckles. your eyes dart to one below his navel. his hands fiddle with the zipper on the side of your skirt, and you nod. Don pulls it down gently before standing, bringing you up with him. you pull down your skirt slowly, eyes stuck on Dons as he unbuttons his own slacks.

he takes a few steps back in just his boxers, sitting on the bed. his hands find yours, tugging you on top of him as he lays down completely. you pull off your brassiere, letting him see your bare chest. you already can feel his aching member beneath you, twitching. then, he sits up again, keeping you perched on his lap. you rise on your knees to get your panties off, bare warmth flush on his strong thigh. you whimper as your nub grinds on his skin, throwing your head back. Don groans and gives a noise of affirmation as you continue your movements. “there you go, good girl.” he whispers, and you keen at the name. you’re getting closer, surprised at how close you are to coming from just his thigh. it makes you blush for what will be in store later. Dons large hands rest on your waists, pulling you down on him further to let you get more friction. “ngh, Don!” you cry out, eyes screwing shut as you’re pushed closer to the edge. “come on, doll, come on.” he murmurs, rocking you in a perfect rhythm. his lips trace your clavicle and you whimper, clutching his biceps. he grunts as your nails dig into his skin, but not from pain. his lashes flutter shut again and he breathes heavily, trying to stop himself from coming in his pants. he distantly hears you calling on his name repeatedly, and he huffs, rocking you quicker on his pale thigh. your pearl catches and grinds on him perfectly, and you finally unravel, a high noise leaving your throat as you come. “that’s good. so good, so good.” Don runs his lips under your chin, down your jaw. your body goes limp, slumping against Dons chest. your fingers relax on his arms, drifting to his abdomen. you hum, rocking your hips through the last of your aftershocks. Dons hands drift to under your ass, picking you up to lay you on your back. your eyes drift to his face, running over his flushed cheeks and lidded eyes. down to his heaving chest that’s dotted with freckles. down to his navel. down to the waistband of his boxers. he’s sat on his knees, tucked in between your legs. his eyes don’t leave yours as he pulls of his last item of clothing, leaving them on the floor with the rest of the clothes.

his member bobs free and your eyes widen. he’s big. bigger than you thought. you feel your own cheeks heat and you look away. Dons hands find yours and squeeze. “you okay?” he whispers, trying to get your gaze back on him. you nod and smile back up at him softly. “just…be gentle. I-I’ve heard it can hurt.” you say, stroking his knuckles. “of course.” he murmurs, leaning down to cradle your body against his own, to kiss your lips gently. your chest presses against his, thighs knocking together. then he pulls away gently, to run his fingers in between your folds, spreading the wetness there before pushing his middle finger in slowly. your lips part as you feel the intrusion. “Don.” you murmur, and his finger slips in to the root. “you’re okay.” he whispers, and you nod, tilting your head back. the pad of his finger rubs on the spongy spot inside you, and you whine softly, hands drifting to his nape, tugging on the short hair there. the feeling isn’t painful, more different and unusual. but it feels so good, to have him to do this. with his body pressed against yours, breath fanning against your cheek. another finger slides in, eased by your slick. Don has to work this one in, easing it past your tense walls. when he finally slips in, filling you, another gasp leaves your lips when he moves it, building the tight feeling in your stomach. it builds up and up and up, filling your chest. it’s so different than earlier, making you twitch and moan. you think you’re getting close, the feeling being so much different, and your hands tug on the hair in your hands again. Don groans in pleasure again, grinding his length on the soft skin of your stomach.

“D-Don, not. not yet.” you breathe out, trying to get his eyes off where his fingers push into your warmth. so you pull his hair again gently, pulling his head back so his eyes look into yours. he seems to hear you again, and he nods, panting. his fingers withdraw, and he shifts so his tip presses against your folds, catching on your nub. he looks at you once more, and you nod, running your fingers down to his chest, reassuring him. then, a hand slips down to guide his member into you. the stretch is jarring. this hurts a bit. his cock spears you open, sliding into you inch by inch. he’s bigger than you thought. a broken noise escapes Dons throat as he clutches to you tightly. “ohh, ngh y-you’re doing so good.” he says. your eyes clench shut to try and hide the tears that are swelling. he’s not even halfway in. the salty liquid drips down you cheek and your lips part to exhale shakily, broken and heavy. Dons eyes blink open and he finally sees the state you’re in, pausing completely. “doll?” he whispers, bringing a hand your cheek to wipe the tears. your hand rests over the one that’s comforting you. “m’ okay. promise. just…” you words trail off as you shake your head, smiling softly at the man above you. “no. we-we can stop now. it hurts doesn’t it?”he asks lowly. “no! it’s just…bigger…than I thought.” the words are hushed as your eyes drift down to where you and Don are joined. he blushes, right down to his collarbone, and the hand on his travels to his face. “sorry.” he murmurs, and you shake your head. “I’m not used to it.” you say, and the man nods, convincing himself that he’s not hurting you.

still, you see that hesitation. the waiting. “how bout you make me used to it, Don?” you say, tilting his chin up. his eyes dig into yours and he doesn’t break away as he pushes in deeper until he’s buried inside of you. both of you are panting, chests touching. Dons own eyes are squeezed shut tightly. “Are you okay?” Dons eyes blink open and he nods. “feels different. so good, like you were made for me.” he murmurs, kissing your cheek softly. something unplaceable blossoms in your chest, something akin to pride. he’s yours now. and you are his. no going back. “made to take me.” he grits out, teeth clenching as your warmth grips onto his length like a vice, pulling him deeper. his hips grind against your pelvis, letting you get used to the feeling of having all of him fill you. it just builds that coil up again, winding it tighter and tighter as that sensitive spot that only he can seem to reach is kissed by his tip each movement. “f-feels good, Donny.” the words are whispered and weak as your nose nudges against his ear, and your met with a grunt. he’s getting close too. his thrusts pull out of you more and more until he’s pulling out halfway every time before pressing back into you at a quick pace. “nghh ha’fuck! I’m close doll.” he groans out, fingers holding your hips in a death grip. your jaw falls open and your eyes roll back into your head. the pleasures getting overwhelming, and hearing the curse fall from his lips just gets you closer, wanting to please him more, push him further than he has before. the quick snap of his hips bullies his length inside you, and you finally come with a strangled noise, the feeling overwhelming. white spots dance in your eyes as you gasp, and you can feel yourself clenching on Dons cock. above you, the man pants before his hips stutter inside you, and it’s one more thrust before he comes undone himself, groaning your name. you feel his hot spend leak into you, filling up your warmth. his body goes limp on top of yours, his weight a comforting presence. you can still feel him throb inside you, twitching and spouting release occasionally. his lips trace over and find yours, kissing them softly. gently, you tug his bottom lip in between you teeth and bite before retreating.

his body shifts of yours and onto the space in the bed beside you. tucking your body closer to his, Don moves his arm so your face can rest under his neck, flush with him. “the right thing to do would be to marry you.” he whispers into the night when both of you have come down from your highs. he’s still deep inside you, keeping you filled and content. “oh would it now?” you ask, letting your right hand drift to rest in between his shoulder blades. “think we’re past that,” Don huffs before continuing. “please. let me marry you. call you my wife.” he says, letting his lips trace to your forehead. it wouldn’t hurt. you’d get to call him yours. no one else’s, yours. you’d bear his name, sure, but he’d bear the mark of love youd given him. “okay.” you whisper, and Don holds you closer, eyes wide and happy. the frown on his face titling upward as he turns his face into your neck.

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it’s early in the morning when Don creeps back into his room. Stubs waited up for him, and grins when he sees Don’s disheveled hair. “good for you.” he chuckles before rising and clapping Don on the back. Don merely stays quiet and sits on Stubs bed, the tall man sitting beside him. “she doing okay?” he asks, and Don nods. “sore I think.” Stub nods as well. “that’s normal. hey you should let me join next time.” he wiggles his eyebrows, making the joke clear. Don smirks and pushes him lightly. “In your dreams McMillian.” Stub acts like he’s been killed, rolling off the bed and onto his back on the ground. “yeah. I dream about Don Hume and y/n l/n, and all the things that’d happen if I joined them.” Don rises, setting his coat on the chair next to Stubs bed. “keep dreaming.” Stub watches Don, the controlled actions and tenseness. “what happened. you’re acting strange.” he demands, watching the dark haired man she’d his outer layers. “think coach’ll let me skip today?” he asks softly. Stub scoffs. “maybe. why?” Don shakes his head, “need to go to the courthouse.” he says, sitting on his own bed now. Stubs left with those words, ponders on them. the his eyes go wide. “ah. so I’ll be dreaming about Mr. and Mrs. Don Hume.”

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BONUS SCENE!

“ow! that’s my eye, doll.” Don whisper yells at you as your shoe digs into his forehead. “sorry!” you reply, trying to move your foot up. you’re teetered on Dons shoulders, trying to reach the second floor window. “ah! that’s my calf!” you cry as Dons large fingers pinch at the skin of your plush legs. “sorry. there’s not many places to hold!” he calls, struggling to keep you steady. “it’s not stable.” he says, and you scoff, “hold higher up!” you say, and Don blushes, trying to keep his head down ass his hands slip higher to creep under your skirt and to your thighs, now more stable. “my ear, doll!” he says when your foot slips. “‘m trying!” you whine, raising your left leg to rest on a brick. Dons had moves to support your weight, resting under your thigh, and you let your right foot raise shakily to the windowsill, lifting it open to slip in. Don clambers up the wall, his much longer limbs finding better footholds, his much stronger body pulling him up with ease. it’s all great. until his collapses right on top of you. but you laugh, and Don smiles.

AN:owie….my fingers…ANWHWAH I LOVED THIS ONE I HAD AMAZING TIME WRITING IN, STUB IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE CHARECTERS KF YOU CANT TELL, TRUING TO DO A FIC W HIM LATER, MAYBE EVEN DO THE THREE WAY I WAS HINTING TO? THOUHHTS ON THAT? anywho! Hope y’all enjoyed!

“Don.” Stubs voice cut through the other chatter. “Don. Donny!” the giant of a man snaps in front of Dons face, forcing him out of his thoughts. Stub throws a knowing glance between you and his friend. “why don’t you talk to her?” he asks before taking a bite of green beans. Bobby cuts in around the mashed potatoes in his mouth. “yea Don! just go talk to her, we’re not blind.” Bobby explains, swallowing his food. Don flushes and looks down at his plate, shaking his head. Stub nudges his shoulder. “you could use a girl, y’know.” Bobby talks over Stubs comforting words. “ah hell, Don! you don’t talk to anyone besides us two most days, you don’t ever say you fancy anyone, you don’t do anything besides rowing, I’d agree with Stub!” he exclaims, setting down his fork with a clatter. he’s got that look in his eyes, like he’s planning something. “you need a girl.” Don still shakes his head. “you could just say hi. ask her if she wanted to grab a cup of coffee or lunch.” Stub offers, his jaw moving tightly as he tries to help his friend. the man knows he’s lovesick over this girl, seen the way he looked at her. but he just needed the push in the right direction. “a cup of coffee? what is this, your moms drawing room?”Bobby cuts in, laughing at Stubs words, only making the tall man glare at the much shorter one. “y’know I’ll bet you five dollars you wouldn’t ask her out after all.” he says, standing with his plate before waltzing off. Stub sits next to Don, throwing small glances at him. he’s eerily silent now, not just his normal quiet. “do you think I have a chance?” Don asks softly, head tilting so he can look at you once more. Stub nods immediately. “course you do. don’t listen to bobby.” he says, clapping his friend on the shoulder. “you want to talk to her?” he asks, and Don nods. “introduce yourself. compliment her or something. ask her out.” the dark haired man nods. “well wh-sigh what am I even asking her out to?” Dons tone is defeated and helpless. “lunch, dinner, midnight snack, it doesn’t matter, Don. you just got to be yourself. and y’know, talk to her.” Stub nods once and digs back into his plate, looking at you as well.

he can see why don would like you. you’ve got a kind look. like you’re pleasant to be around. when he looks back at Don, it’s like he’s looking at a helpless puppy. “Don. do it now, or you won’t ever.” he says, forcing his friend to look at him. “plus, don’t you want to put Bobby out of five dollars?” Stub smirks at that, causing Don to give him a glare. Don stands shakily, feeling his forehead bead with sweat. Stub glances up before standing as well, helping the man prepare. Dons eyes flit between you and Stub as he wipes his brow. Stub straightens his jacket and tie, smoothing out wrinkles. Don nods. Stub grins a toothy smile and moves from Dons path to you. he looks on eagerly as he takes a few steps, pride blooming. then it halts like a record. Don turns back quickly, fists clenched. “oh no you don’t.” Stub says sternly, turning him around by the shoulders and pushing him to you. Don stumbled forward before righting himself and walking over the last couple steps to you.

you might’ve just seen the most handsome man in your life. his dark hair hangs in front of his face a bit, covering up his eyes only slightly. his form is strong, forearms toned with muscles and kissed by the sun. his skin is pale still, dotted with freckles, wait you know this boy. Don. seen him in the halls of the university, in your geology class. you always tried to turn your head to get a better look at him without being obvious. tried to throw him subtle looks while you walked by him. tried so crane you head to peak at him during rowing practice when you helped Professor Ulbrickson with grading papers. you’d always sit on the bench inside the shell house, peering over the lake as you heard the professor, well, coach, yell at the boys. you always stayed hidden from them though. they weren’t hidden from you though. no, the practice gave you the perfect opportunity to watch them, watch Don be the stroke, setting the pace of the boat with each strong roll of his wrists and push of his legs. yes, you know this boy. oh gosh, why is he talking to you of all people? shouldn’t he be with the other rowing boys? when did his eyes begin to look at you like that? “hello.” His voice is quiet yet sturdy. heat rushes to your face. “hi.” you reply, shutting your book. “I’m Don.” he murmurs, arms stiff at his side. you reply with your name. “I uh. I-it’s nice weather isn’t it?” he says, and you nod. “it’s a real sunny day.” you reply. he nods and looks over at a window, that seemingly permeant frown still on his face. you like it though. his gaze flits back to you. “wouldyouwantogetcoffeewithme.” the words are hurried and low, like he was scared to say them. taken aback, your lips part as you gaze up at him. he wants to go out with you? more heat rushes to your cheeks. maybe he likes you! but you try and clear your mind. can’t leave him without a answer after all. “that’d be wonderful, Don.” you reply, smiling softly. the boy huffs out a sigh and nods, eyes playful now. “I-is Friday after class okay?” he asks. you nod again, folding your hands together. “great.” is all he says before he turns on his heel and walks back to a tall man by the dining hall entrance. it’s Stub. he’s smiling at Don, clapping him on the shoulder. they exchange words, and Don throws you one last glance over the shoulder before leaving.

“Ah, I knew you could do it Donny!” Stub says, chuckling at the red faced man.

“I think I need to puke.”

——————————————————————————————————

Friday came too fast. Dons palms were sweaty as he tied his tie for the fifth time this morning. the cracked mirror in the shared dorm showed his form, face riddled with anxiety and that frown. sweater was running from the small sink in the tiny bathroom as Stub finished brushing his teeth. in his tank top and slacks, stub is every inch a handsome man. “Don, it’ll be fine. she likes you, you like her.” he says as he buttons up a shirt. Don glances over his shoulder and nods once, huffing in a breath. when they leave for the many classes of the day, something itches in Dons brain, the never ending trace of fear. his two o clock geology class rolls around and he spots you walking to the door from the other direction. so like a schoolboy, he quickens his pace just slightly to get the door, holding it open for you with a nod before looking down again. “thank you don.” you say, smiling at him before looking away, blush coming to your cheeks. the man almost melts in his shoes. he’s never loved the way his name has sounded more. loved the way the vowels curved out of your lips. the class drags on too slowly, he can feel his heart beating quicker and quicker in his chest as the clock ticks to three, the end of the lecture. as the class dismissed, he managed to squeeze next to you, letting the door file out with other students before facing you in the hall. “well. uh, shall we?” Don asks lowly, offering his elbow to you. his stomach does leaps when you smile and nod, slipping your arm in the crook of his.

he guides you off the campus, onto the train car, and into downtown Seattle. the cafe sits nestled on some not so busy street where the inside is blessedly warm as you sneak into a small table. when you move to take a seat, all the things that Stub drilled into him that morning appear in his head, and he pulls out your chair, sliding you close to the table when you’re seated. he slides into the other chair, watching silently as you remove your coat, left in a baby blue dress. his hands rub against each other, fidgeting to remove tension. the waiter comes over, and the two of you murmur out just a cup of coffee at the same time. with a chuckle, you glance at Don who’s eyes widen slightly. “sorry. a cup of coffee for both of us.” he says, nodding at the waiter. the man leaves, and Don tries to look back at you with a more confident look. “thank you for bringing me here.” you say gratefully, keeping the conversation light. “thank you for coming.” is Dons reply, his face angled to the table now. his hands come up to rest on the table and the silence is loud. so you do the one thing you can think to do, the one thing you want to do. your fingers find Dons, resting a top of them and wrapping around them. Dons head lifts up quickly and blood rushes to his cheeks. “I wanted to come.” you say, nodding reassuringly. the man across from you nods again, not letting go of your hands. “how about Professor Cartwrights lecture today?” he asks, trying to talk with you. you let out a small snort. “I thought he’d never stop talking!” you exclaimed, lighting up. “well when he gets on the properties of magnesium, I think we can expect him to never be quiet.” he replies, smiling softly.

the hours tick by like minutes, and Don, much to his own surprise as well, talking with you for every second. the waiter comes by with the bill finally. Dons eyes widen when he sees the time. it’s almost seven thirty. “I-we should head back.” he says, standing. your eyes soften and you nod, standing as well. Don stands behind you, helping put on your coat. his breath fans across the nape of your neck, and your lashes flutter. he walks you out into the Washington night, helping you board onto the train car again. his knees knock against yours as he holds your hand in silence, heart swelling as you chatter on, filling the conversation. the university campus is dark and not crowded as Don walks you slowly to your dorm. the lantern light illuminates the doorway of the entrance when you stop. your nose tips up to look up at him, and not just past him or through him, but at him. “thank you, Don. I had a lovely time, truly.” you say, smiling as you rise on your tip toes to press a kiss to his cheek. Dons system seems to freeze, and he turns beet red. but before you can enter fully into the dorm, he reaches out and grips your wrist, pulling you gently back to him. “th-thank you. I enjoyed being with you.” he says, trying to drag on this moment. your lip tugs upward and he sees your teeth poking through in a smile. still, he doesn’t let go of your wrist. “could I kiss you?” he asks in almost a whisper, eyes hopeful. now it’s your turn to blush. instead of answering, you step closer to him, your bodies almost touching, allowing him to pull you in an embrace. Dons hands cup your cheeks, and he looks over every feature and every mark you bear. then, slowly, and so gently, he presses his lips in a chaste kiss against yours.

“thank you.” he murmurs lowly against your forehead before placing a kiss there.

“thank you.” you say back, bringing your entertained hands to your lips so you can kiss his knuckles once before retreating to your dorm.

——————————————————————————————————

Stub lays on his back, awake as he waits up for Don. they didn’t have practice every other Friday, thank goodness. so this date worked out for everyone really. the door finally creaks open and he’s met with a truly smiling Don, grin plastered on his face and his head up on cloud nine. it’s a bashful smile, and Stub grins as he sits up. “went good, i assume?” he asks, watching as Don plops down on the bed beside him. “went great, Stub. she’s incredible.” he replies, rubbing a hand over his face. the taller man chuckles and reaches for his wallet on the beside table. pulling out four dollar bills, he plops them on Dons chest. “They’re from Bobby. he lost the bet, obviously. I took the liberty of taking a buck for me, since I helped.” Stub says playfully, laying back down. Don smiles and folds the bills, putting them in his wallet. “y’know Don, that might’ve been the most words I’ve ever heard come out of your mouth at once. this girl might do wonders for you.” Stub jokes, only to be met with an extinguished light and the cool darkness.

an:eeeeeekkkk! This was so cute (to me at least) I hope y’all enjoyed it as much as I did! The next part will be out soon! (Tw smut). Anywho, don’t hesitate to send in more asks or stuff for whatever! tbh I’m thinking of adding a fic for Stub now! he’s so pookie. anyway!

-cass💕:D

“Yes…”you pause, thinking about what Don had told you earlier. “How’s the training? Don had mentioned that you all hadn’t been doing as much?” Ulbrickson nods. “Giving them a break before we make the announcement for the Cal race.” He says, looking pointedly at his desk. “Ah. So it will be them?” You ask. The man nods silently. “Well, if you ask me Professor…they’re the better team out on that water.” You murmur, circling a mistake on the essay you hold, the spelling of a word off by a vowel. Ulbrickson nods and frowns. “Can’t help but wonder if I’m making the right decision. Just because they’re fast here at home doesn’t mean they’ll perform the same way in a race, whether it’s against Cal or the Germans.” He says, resting his forehead on his palm. “They’re the faster boat Professor. You know it. And you’ll find a way to get them even faster, even lighter, closer to flying on top of the water.” You chuckle, standing and leaving the finished essay in a neat stack with the others. Ulbrickson sits upright in his chair and sighs. “I hope you’re right.” Smiling, you come around his desk and put an arm around his shoulder in a half embrace before saying “I am sometimes.” The older gentlemen chuckles. “Will you grace us with your presence at the boathouse tonight?” He asks when you’re about to leave. “Dunno. There any papers to grade?” You ask, picking up your book bag. “No. But plenty of rowing to be watched.”

The boathouse looms in the distance as you approach. Stub on your right side as Don is on your left. The three of you don’t really talk. Sure, when you do it’s full of smiles and quiet laughs, but you all have a more gentle disposition that doesn’t require the silence to be filled, unlike Bobby or Shorty. Gravel crunches under your feet, making every step heard under the breeze blowing in. You can see Coach Bowles with some of the other boys, some varsity and some from the JV boat. As you approach, Chuck is clearly yelling at one of the varsity boys while Bowles tries to intervene. Your brows furrow and you look at Stub. The giant merely shrugs. “Not sure. We’ve all been at each other lately.” Don chimes in a second later. “Chuck and Bobby are fighting with Robert and Matthew.” The insight doesn’t help you too much, but you understand enough that Matthew, similar to Chuck, can’t keep his mouth shut all the time. You sigh and nod slowly as the voices grow clearer, filled with agitation. Bowles voice cuts over it all as Chuck lets a few curses loose. “That is enough! You both row for the same damn school, you do not need to be arguing like some schoolboys.” Bowles looks between them and around the small cluster of people that now surround him, including you. “My apologies for the language dear.” Bowles says, tipping his fedora to you slightly as he walks to Matthew. “And you. That varsity spot of yours is not promised. Plenty of other young men are just as hungry for that spot, if not hungrier. Get it together or get out.” Matthew’s eyes narrow slightly but he knows who he’s talking to. The boy storms off with the varsity crew up to the path leading to the school, leaving most of the JV crew and you in the boathouse.

“Go get dressed and warm up.” Bowles snaps, causing the boys to scramble away from the scene. “I see Al invited you to a practice?” He asks, holding out his elbow. Nodding, you slip your hand into the crook of it and let him lead you to the dock slowly. “Well. They’re not much to watch now. We’ll get them there though. If they do win against Cal, we’ll have some Olympic reading to do.” He says, guiding you to a bench and letting you rest yourself before sitting down beside you. “Reading?” You inquire, watching as he pulls a cigarette and lighter from his coat pocket. “Mm. They have…” he trails off, trying to find the right word as he fiddles with his silver lighter. “Regulations?” You offer. Bowles nods and lights the cigarette before placing it in his mouth. “On every. Little. Thing.” He says. Joe comes out of the boathouse first to stretch along the dock, rotating his shoulders and arms gently. The others follow quickly after, and you catch Dons eyes as he leaves, causing him to smile softly. 

“Say…it’s uh…you and Don, right?” Bowles asks, and you look at him while he blows out smoke. “Yes.” You murmur, looking down at your heels. “Who…?” You begin a question, but Bowles beats you to it. “Al let it slip.” A smug smile sits on his face, but it’s more friendly if anything and you scoff, turning away. “It’s good for him.” He says, tapping away ashes. He looks at the boys who are now chatting in a circle, laughing as Shorty heaves Bobby in his arms. “Hey!”Bowles shouts, and they freeze. “Did I say you could stop?” He asks, and they chuckle to themselves before returning to their warm up routines. “Arrogant pricks.” He mutters, taking another inhale of his cigarette. “Yeah well. With these new regulations we might have to work on the boys.” He says. “Meaning…” you ask. “Well, we’ve asked George to make a new boat for the boys. A lighter one that just passes over the Olympic requirement. That will help us carry less dead weight. But we still need to find a way to be even lighter.” He says. You laugh out loud. Not a single one of the boys weighs under 190 except for Bobby. They’re all boys with extreme muscle and bulk, built for the wild terrain around Seattle and their hometowns, made for the hardwork that built them. “I know. You can see the problem.” Bowles says, standing. “Ok, we get them to shave off a few pounds. Will that really help?” You ask. “In the Olympics? Every ounce that makes us light, every ounce that makes up move quicker is worth it.”

The day after Ulbrickson announces the team for the Cal race is an exciting one. Don was happy the whole morning, put in a decidedly good mood. Every time when the two of you were alone, he’d babble in your ear about the race, and the new Husky Clipper. About the chance to go to the Olympics, the chance to make Ulbrickson proud. It was all so exciting he could hardly focus. He’d held your hand in class that day while the Professor lectured about biology, squeezing your hand now and again before letting his shoulder press against yours. Even in the cafeteria, Stub and Joe had sat with the two of you, digging into their meals. The boys chattered softly, but nonstop about the race. When Stub mentioned how tired you must be of the subject, you chuckled. “Oh yes. It’s been the only thing Don can talk about.” You confess, smiling when the dark haired boy next to you flushes and looks into his lap, smiling softly. “It’s alright though. You all deserve it.” Rubbing Dons shoulder, he leans into it before dropping his head down to your cheek, pressing a soft, feather light kiss there. “Bout time we show that varsity squad who we are.” Joe says, looking straight down into his plate. The words are funny, ones you’d expect from Bobby, Chuck, or even Roger. Not Joe. You begin to giggle, trying to muffle the noise with your hand before making eye contact with Stub whose shoulders shake silently with laughter as he tries to drink his water. When your eyes lock, he sputters and sprays water on the table before choking on it, coughing. The action only causes you to laugh harder, and press your face into dons chest. You can feel his chest rumble as he laughs lowly, and Joe grins at the members of the table. “What? What did I say?” Laughter merely erupts more.

The next few weeks are filled with endless practice, all of the rowing program whipping the JV boys into shape. And Bowles wasn’t kidding about the weight. Their food is being closely documented now, allowing enough calories and nutrition each boy needs, and none over. They do intensive training, both in and out of practice to prepare. One such exercise is cardio. Running helps tone the legs and muscles, and make them stronger in the long run. Usually Don went early in the morning before the sun was even up, or late into the sunset. But today, he wanted you with him. He found you in Ulbricksons office, grading papers. As he waited outside the door, he wrung his hands together slowly, inspecting the callus and blisters that had built up, scaring his hands. The hands he touched you with. He couldn’t bring himself to even cup your face into his hands most days. Why would his hands be worthy to touch something as pretty and clean as you? Something not marred by hours of grueling labor like rowing and the many odd jobs that he’s done in his life to scar him.

The door clicked open and you stepped out with the Coach and Dons head snapped up, lips parted as he watched you. “Don!” You exclaim, walking over. He rises and picks up his suit jacket that lies next to him. The Professor nods at the younger man before walking away from the two of you down the hall. Grinning up at him, Don takes your hand and clasps yours in his firmly, keeping you by him as you exit the English hall and walk to the Quad. It’s mid afternoon, not too late to be dark. Sighing, your head rests on Don’s shoulder as you walk slowly. “Got to go run soon.” He murmurs. Pulling off his shoulder, you hum and rub his knuckles with your thumb. “Want to follow up with me?” He asks, glancing at you from the side. You raise one eyebrow at him, smirking. “You want me to run, right along with you, through campus, and keep up?” You ask, chuckling. Don huffs and laughs. “I have a bike…” he explains, tone turning whiny at the end of his sentence. “Ok then, bike it is.” You smile, leaning closer to him again. “Great. C’mon, we’ll make a stop at my dorm.” He says, quickening his pace. 

The dorm is quiet when the two of you enter, and Don shows you to his and Stubs room. Dons tall roommate lays in bed, taking a midday nap. You smile softly and turn back to Don who’s pulling his one extra set of practice clothes. You hear him click off his shoes and yank out his worn boots. The man removes his jacket and you sit down on his bed, watching silently as his muscles work under his button up. His dark hair falls on his face as he pulls the over shirt off, left in his white undershirt that shows his tan shoulders that are dotted with freckles. The metal of his belt clinks and he pulls it off before placing it with his other clothes. His pale hands come up and he starts to remove his top, causing blush to rise to your cheeks as you turn and face the other bed with Stub. The tall man’s awake now, barely conscious but he blinks at you before murmuring, “like what you see?” Dons head turns as he slides out of his pants to watch you and Stub offhandedly. “Who, you or Don?” You reply, crossing your hands in your lap. Stub chuckles and rolls fully on his back, tucking an arm under his head. “I guess he’s a looker too.” Don rolls his eyes and smiles. “Well. Only one of us has a girl at the moment, Stub.” He quips back and you laugh. Don, showing that witty side that’s deep down. He sighs softly when he’s dressed and walks to the wall behind Stubs bed that’s home to a bike. He hefts it off the hook with a grunt and walks to the door. You quickly rise and pull the wooden thing open for him to exit. “Thanks darling.” He murmurs. When you’re outside, he places it on the ground. “Where are we going today?” You ask. Don shrugs. “Just around I guess.” He dusts off the seat and holds the handlebar for you to get on. “You can lead today.” He says while you gently grip the other side of the handlebar and pick your leg over the seat. With his other hand, Don keeps your skirt down and makes sure it’s straight until your right foot is firmly on the pedal. Your left foot rests on the ground and you nod at him. “Let’s go.” You say, and Don nods, beginning at a slow jog until you get up to pace. He glances at you while you bike, increasing his pace with a determined look every time you get in front of him. He knows what you’re doing too. You’re just grinning at him as you push harder on the pedals. 

It’s not long before he’s at a full sprint, blowing harsh exhales as he tries to keep up with you who’s barely sweating. He’s glaring at you as he tries to keep up before he stumbles, but catches himself. It slows him down and he gives up, calling your name in between breaths. You turn the bike around and slow as you approach the red-faced man. Don’s panting, hands on his knees as he catches his breath. He hears the clicks of the bike and takes a big breath as he puts his hands on his hips and takes you in. “Ok.”pant “you win dear.” He concedes to you and you smile, leaning your arms on the bars while you smile. “Okay there Donny?” You ask and  his head bobs. He sniffs and blows out another breath before breaking out into a slow jog again. You keep a steady pace this time, and the two of you talk as he runs, chatting about the weather and classes, about the upcoming Cal race and the chance for the Olympics. His words are bouncy and cut off as his chest moves with every stride. “We can head to the boathouse. Cut through the quad.” Don says, and you nod before guiding your path to the sidewalk for the quad on the edge of campus. Across the long way, you can see Bobby on a bike, followed by Roger and Joe, doing a similar pace. They spot you just as you see them. “Hey!” Bobby shouts, and your name follows loudly, catching your attention from across the rectangular patch of land. You grin and wave at him.  They slow at the middle point, and Bobby turns to the middle sidewalk as Joe and Roger slow, walking behind him. You slow as well, and turn onto the path, Don at your heels. “Had the same idea, huh?” Bobby asks, crossing his arms on his bike. “Was Don’s idea.” You shrug. Don clasps hands with Joe and Roger before muttering something about a mistake. Roger laughs. “Well I’d like to see her beat Bobby in a race. He’s been running us ragged and bullying about our pace.” Bobby scoffs. “You guys deserve it! Slow as shit!” He says before looking to you. “Pardon my French.” He says, and you shake your head. “Not game to a race?” You ask lowly. Bobby laughs, it’s high and he looks to Joe. “Oh I’m game alright.” 

You and Bobby are lined up next to each other on the side of the quad, the long rectangular sidewalk a perfect race track. Dons beside you and presses a quick kiss to your shoulder. Joe and Roger shout words of encouragement from the end of the path. They’re rooting for you, just wanting to see Bobby fail. Don steps out  to the side and raises his hand. “Ready?” He glances between you and Bobby and you ready your feet. “GO!” You’re off, pushing all the power you have into your legs as you and Bobby are neck and neck. You begin to pull ahead though, legs moving quickly on the pedals. You don’t want to lose to Bobby, the idiot would never let it down. You hear him let out a string of curses and you smile to yourself as you speed to Joe and Roger. The taller blonde is whooping, and you hear Don cheering you on as he runs behind you and Bobby. Roger stands to the side, ready to determine the winner. But it’s clear who’s won. You speed past the two, crossing the ‘line’. Bobby follows after, well behind you. 

You laugh and hit the breaks to turn around to the other two. Roger shouts your name. “And she wins by a landslide!” He yells, helping you off the bike. You laugh and stick your tongue out at Bobby whose face is red as he pants on his bike. Don catches up and you laugh as he wraps his arms around your biceps and twirls you around, chest to chest. His sweat plasters hair to his face but you kiss his forehead anyway. “Good job.” He whispers to you before placing you on the ground. It’s your turn to be put of breath, and you laugh shakily while your hand rests over your clavicle. Bobby’s still groaning about his loss as Roger playfully shoves him to the path that leads to the boathouse. Joe rolls Bobby’s bike alongside him, and you pick yours up. Don clicks his teeth quickly and comes to your side. “No no no doll, I got it.” He murmurs softly, taking the big thing from your hands and pushing it as you walk. The boathouse isn’t completely deserted when you get there. You can hear old George Pocock sawing away in his workshop. The Professors light is on in the office above the boathouse. Two seniors wax a single man scull, and showers run in the locker room. Bobby helps you and Don place the bike on the side of the wall, and he nudges you with an elbow. “So uh…let’s say you keep this between the five of us?” He asks, eyes dancing playfully. “Not in your dreams, Moch.” You quip, following the others as they walk through the house. “Oh come on! That race was rigged and you know it.” He says, walking backwards to point at you. “I’m ready to go again when you are.” Bobby rolls his eyes at your words, slowing as they approach the locker room. The man looks back behind him quickly and wags a finger at you. “Oh nuh-uh, can’t be in here!” The teasing tone makes you laugh and you turn on your heel before walking to the Professors office. 

He’s watching some film of a race, and barely hears you walk in, unaware of your presence until you’re right beside him. “They look good.” You say, and his eyes find you. “Mm. Cal race from two weeks ago.” He says, and you nod. The Professor continues, scratching the back of his neck. “We’re focusing on getting the boat as light as possible.” He says. “Need to fly on the water.” You thrum your fingers on your thighs. “Well, they’re working as hard as they can.” You offer, shifting your weight so you can sit on an end table. The Professor hums again as the film clicks off, the end had been reached. “It’s working.” He says. 

When you go back down onto the main boathouse floor, the others are chatting with Shorty and Chuck who have both come back from their own workouts. Don sees you and opens an arm for you to get close against his body, the night air blowing a chill breeze through everything. “Well. We’re leaving.” Don says lowly, the words firm as an anchor. The others nod and say goodbyes, Joe and Roger offering their congratulations on the bike race, making Bobby whine at them when they retell the story to Shorty. Laughter echoes out of the house as Don pulls out the bike again. He swings a leg over it and straddles the seat before looking back at you. “Hop on.” He says, and you smile, pushing your bottom onto the solid rear rack covering the back tire. You sit side saddle, and wrap your arms around Dons waist, hands splaying over his chest. He kicks off finally, steering back to the main campus and quad. The ride is silent, only the gears of the bike and nature giving off sound. Your cheek is pressed into Dons shoulder. The bike soon finds its way back to its home, the boys’s dorm. When he unlocks the door, Stub is hanging from one of the large metal pipes on the ceiling, doing slow and measured pull ups. He tilts his head when he hears the door and smiles. “My favorite people.” He rumbles, dropping to the ground. Stub helps Don maneuver the bike back onto the wall and ruffles the shorter mans sweaty hair, causing Don to playfully tackle him and throw light punches. “Who will the champion be?” You ask, tone daunting and suspenseful. Stub wraps an arm around Dons shoulder and heaves him onto the bed before shoving a hand on his face and into the pillow, and Don retaliates by flipping his leg over Stubs waist, making the tall man grunt and fall off the edge of the twin bed. “Ha! A point for me.” Don says playfully, hair sticking everywhere. “Whatever, I’m just going easy cause your girls here.” Don huffs and offers an arm to Stub, helping him up.  Don turns to you. “Need a shower?” He asks quietly. You do. Your blouse is sticky with sweat and your hair frizzes out in odd places. “Yes…it wouldn’t hurt.” You confess, picking at your nails. Still, it feels wrong. This is their room, their dorm. Stub and Don are lucky, sharing a small private bathroom versus your communal one at your dormitory. Stub catches your motions. “Don’t sweat it. This place is yours as much as it is ours.” He says, plopping down on his bed. You blush and look up at Don. He nods reassuringly at you. “Okay. Better than the communal showers.” You admit.

Don turns to the bathroom door and opens it, guiding you in. He points at the faucets on the wall. “Okay. Um. Hot, cold, middle is pressure.” He fiddles with  his shirt, messing with a growing hole. Nodding, you turn to him. “Great.” He sighs and backs away, giving you space. “Need anything?” His nervous eyes flit between you and the shower, trying not to voice the thoughts flooding  into his brain. You’re fighting the same battle and you look down before reaching past Don to shut the door behind you both. His eyes widen and he turns slightly to the door. You catch his hand though, leading him back closer to the shower. Your hands deftly undo the buttons on your blouse and you hang it on the hook. Dons eyes don’t travel below your neck as the two of you undress, and you take his hand to bring him into the small shower with you. Don turns to shut the glass shower door behind him as you turn on the flow of hot water. Your eyes are locked on his and you can feel him pant softly, lips parted. He won’t touch you though, won’t make that first move. So you bring a hand up to rest on his cheek, and the other high on his chest, fingertips grazing his shoulder. Don shudders and his eyes blink closed as he leans closer, letting your foreheads touch under the stream. You feel a hand fumbling to find the small space between your hip and waist, and another creeping up behind your neck in a gentle grip. It holds you there, letting Dons lips brush against yours softly. 

Stubs convinced the two of you have used all the hot water available, and he flips another page in his book. He doesn’t mind. You’re soft and sweet, yet firm in your ways, and you’re not afraid to speak first sometimes. You compliment Don in that way. Where the other man can be closed off and anxious, you bring him out of his shell. He seemed to change once you started coming around with him. It was a good thing he asked you out. So, he could tolerate the two of you spending time like this together. Lord knows what you were doing, but you weren’t being loud. 

Inside the steamy walls of the bathroom, you gently massaged soap into Dons hair, removing trapped grease as he gazes down at your face, his seemingly permanent frown on his face. You knew better though, he was okay. Especially as his eyes rolled back into his head when you itched that sweet spot on the scalp of his head. Finally, you released him and grabbed the bar of soap to rub into your hair. Don silently helps you, guiding your fingers and going over spots you may have missed. When your hair is complete, the two of you beginning focus on cleaning your own bodies, an easy task until the small shower restricts movement. Dons arm bumps into your ribcage just as you bang your head into his jaw. “Oomph!” You exclaim, stumbling back onto one of the walls. Don grunts and leans away from you before steadying you by catching your arm. When you’re stable, he chuckles. “Sorry!” You exclaim, holding onto his shoulder. “S’okay dear.” He replies, pressing a kiss to your cheek. The two of you are much more conscious of your movements after that to say the least. When you finish, you both towel dry and Don wraps his around his waist, leaving the comfort of the steamy bathroom to retrieve his clothes. “Jeez Louise! Could you have taken any longer?” Stub yells playfully, and you blush, covering your face. You hear Dons muffled reply, not quite catching whatever he says. It only causes Stub to laugh even more though. 

When Don returns he has a beaten pair of sleeping boxers and an undershirt in one hand, a university sweatshirt and another pair of boxers in the other. “Would you like these? You can stay…” Don asks, holding out his hand with the large sweatshirt. He’s bashful about this, but part of him secretly wants you in his clothes. He knows it’s not decent but he can’t help it. Nodding, you take the items from him and turn, facing the other wall to change. Don does the same as he puts on his own clothes. Sure, you’ve seen each other bare, but it always seems like the ‘proper’ thing to do, and definitely aids whatever embarrassment felt. You can feel Don walk out the door again and his bed cream softly. When you finally dress, you peek out to see Stub reading a book and Don brushing out his hair gently into its classic part. When you finally walk out, Stubs eyes glance up at you before back down to his book. He only has a knowing smile on his face. “Washington purple looks good on you.” He murmurs, and Don grins at you before letting you sit next to him. He hands you the comb next, and you slowly brush your hair, trying to get the most of it brushed. It’ll be a bit frizzy in the morning without your sleep scarf covering it, but oh well. 

Don reclines on the bed, and you follow, letting him tuck you under his arm. Stub yawns and turns off the small oil lamp before rotating and finding a comfortable position. “You better not get her pregnant before the Olympics.” He grunts, and his smile can be heard as you scoff. Don protests, “Really Stub? I can actually beat you up…” He’s cut off. “Ok ok, I’m joking.” He says, chucking. “Seriously though! You guys are being…safe?” He asks. Growling his name, you reach for his book on the nightstand that’s illuminated in the moonlight and throw it at him in the dark. Stub yelps. “Okay! You win! I’m sorry.” He says, curling into his blankets more. Grinning triumphantly, Don wedges his nose into the spot behind your ear before pressing a soft kiss there. You can hear his soft breathing in your ear, and the noise seduces you to sleep. 

an:HAD SO MUCH FUN WRITING, I LOVE DONNY! People tagged below, yall give me the motivation to write this because as long as there’s one person to read it, I will write it!

@forsythiagalt